Could solar farm help Leighton Buzzard transition to green energy use?

The farm would be located on land at Double Arches Quarry, Heath and Reach, and the applicant has confirmed that the power generated would benefit local homes.

However, residents have expressed mixed views, as CBC Cllr Mark Versallion, of Heath and Reach ward, explained: “There’s two camps; one, those like myself that are very supportive of renewable energy, and two, at the other end of the spectrum [those that think] it’s countryside, it’s green belt, what’s the point of it being designated as such if you are going to build on it? Shouldn’t we be putting them on warehouse roofs or new houses?

“I’m still asking the question, why can’t we have other brownfield areas and roofs developed first, before we use green belt, but I think that on balance this [application] is acceptable.”

Commenting on why companies are targeting the Leighton Buzzard area, he added: “I think we have spare capacity on the grid in this part of the country.”

The application will be determined at CBC’s Development Management Committee tomorrow (Wednesday).

Ian Foll, managing director of Checkley Wood Energy Ltd, said: “Our aim is to decarbonise the economy and local public transport system for residents in Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages.

“To do this, we need to generate significant amounts of renewable electricity to be utilised locally. We have built the Double Arches wind turbine and will soon build the Checkley Wood wind turbine. The turbines operate very efficiently in winter but less so in summer. The proposed solar farm will take up the spare capacity in the summer.

“All the electricity we generate connects to the local system at Clarence Road in Leighton Buzzard and it is then distributed to homes and businesses in the area.

“Our next aim will be to store some of this energy in batteries and then make it available to buses and cars at a new charging station at Checkley Wood on the A5.

“By working with others, we aim to get the local bus service switched from dirty diesel to renewable electric which will be better for the environment and residents’ health.

“Turning to the specific points raised below, the site is very secluded, located within a quarry complex. Much of surrounding green fields are permitted to be quarried so where better than to put a solar farm than on land that has already been quarried whilst not taking out virgin farmland used to grow our food. Making use of building roof tops makes perfect sense for solar panels and I myself have them on my roof. However, it is an individual’s choice whether they put panels on their roof. I am sure Cllr Versallion and the Parish Councillors will ensure that Parish Council owned buildings including the brand new sports pavilion will be fitted with solar panels so they too can generate clean electricity.

“Turning to public access, the matrix of quarries have an approved overarching restoration scheme which includes the creation of new public footpaths and bridleways. The proposed solar farm will not prevent these paths from being created when the quarries are restored in the future.

“Finally, the benefits from the solar farm will be; less carbon emissions, cleaner air, less pollution, healthier residents and a better world for future generations.

“The Covid pandemic has shown us that the public want clean air to breathe, to be able to hear the birds sing and a greater awareness about the environment. In the past week, southern UK has experienced 5 consecutive days with the temperature at or above 34 degrees – we all need to act now and change our behaviour so we are kinder on the environment and better for mankind.”